Which type of particle radiation has the ability to penetrate deeply into materials?

Gamma radiation is characterized by its high energy and penetrating power, which allows it to pass through various materials more effectively than other types of radiation. This penetrative ability is due to gamma rays being electromagnetic waves, similar to X-rays, rather than particles with mass. As a result, gamma rays interact less with matter, enabling them to travel deeper into substances.

In practical applications, gamma radiation can penetrate through human tissue, several centimeters of lead, and is often used in medical imaging and radiation therapy because of its effectiveness in targeting tissues. The high penetration capability necessitates the use of dense materials, like lead or concrete, for shielding to protect against its effects.

On the other hand, alpha and beta radiation have much lower penetrating capabilities. Alpha particles, being heavy and charged, can be stopped by paper or even the outer layer of human skin. Beta particles, while more penetrating than alpha particles, can still be significantly blocked by a few millimeters of plastic or glass. Neutron radiation, while also penetrating, typically requires specialized materials for effective shielding, making gamma radiation the most universally penetrating type among the options listed.